Search form

You are here

The Comeback Workout

Perform this warm up and Workout III

In the August 2009 issue, we gave you The Comeback Workout, a program specifically for older guys or those with injuries that need to ease back into lifting to stay healthy and get strong. Below is the final workout in the program, along with a special warm up that will ready even the achiest joints for a good training session.

Warm Up1. Jump rope, five minutes2. Overhead squat. Hold an empty bar or broom handle overhead with hands almost double shoulder-width apart. Squat down as low as you can without losing the arch in your lower back. 12 reps.3. Shoulder dislocations. Hold a band or broomstick with a wide grip (as you did for the overhead squat) and raise it over and behind your head and back with elbows straight. 15 reps.4. Hip flexion. Stand with your hands on your hips and, keeping your lower back arched, push your hips backward and bend forward at the hips. You can let your knees bend a bit but feel the stretch in your hamstrings. Extend your hips to return to the starting position. 20 reps.5. Plank. Get into pushup position and then bend your elbows so that your weight is on your forearms. Keep your body in a straight line and hold the position 30 seconds.6. Side plank. Rest your weight on one forearm, facing 90 degrees to one side. Keep your body in a straight line and hold for 15 seconds. Switch sides and repeat.7. Bird dog. Get on your hands and knees and simultaneously raise one arm in front of you while extending the opposite leg behind you. Hold for two seconds, and then switch the arm and leg. That's one rep. 6 reps.8. Glute bridge. Lie on your back on the floor and bridge your hips off the floor using your glutes. Hold your torso in a straight line for 30 seconds.

Workout III

1A Inverted Row

Sets: 3 Reps: As many as possible Rest: 60 sec.

Set up a barbell at about waist height in a squat rack. Lie underneath it and grab the bar with an overhand grip, hands about shoulder-width apart. Allow your body to hang [1]. Pull your body up to the bar until your chest touches [2], and then lower yourself back down to the hanging position. That's one rep.